"We allowed what we talked about - Spearing and Andrews to dictate the tempo of the game, be unopposed every time they received the ball.

"One of their strengths is their passing ability and when you're not getting tackled or being pressed by anyone and you're a good passer, you're in dreamland.

"They kept feeding their widemen, Eagles and Lee, so we gave ourselves problems.

"Clark took a dim view of Zigic, who was red-carded for a second bookable offence in the 87th minute.

"It has left us with zero [experienced] strikers for New Year's Day because of the suspension."Young Jake Jervis, all his football has come from loan moves.

"I was disappointed with Nikola because one thing he has done for me, he has been a terrific example, a good leader, an experienced player who has got vital goals.

"He has been strong for the team but he has let his frustrations get the better of him. And obviously we lose him against the league leaders on New Year's Day which leaves us with one hell of a conundrum to come up with a formation.

"Blues host Cardiff City in the opening game of 2013, and Zigic will also miss the FA Cup trip to Leeds United as it was his second sending-off the campaign.